The Spring / Summer collection from Elsewhere is one I keep coming back to. It’s stunningly timeless, but crisp poplin and textured gauze, raw edge seams, pleats and darts that form the most beautiful lines and remind me of origami–it all offers the elegant, refined, refreshing detail I’ve been craving. I could not be more ready for spring. See more and shop the collection here.

Isn’t it funny how the small details sometimes make a big impact and other times they don’t matter at all? When it comes to building a beautiful and useful home, the former is often the case. In a sense, our home is always evolving and will never be completed, but here are some smart, well-designed goods that made the short list for “finishing” up our space.

// Between pottery and books alone, we’re in need of extra storage, so it’s time to start going up the walls! This wall shelf has a modern touch to balance out our wood-heavy midcentury and rustic pieces, and it’s perfect for adding dimension and depth to the space.
// Some things I never seem to have enough of are trivets. This one gets bonus points for being attractive enough to leave on display and out of our limited cabinet space.
// A doormat for a clean-lined statement as soon as you walk up the front steps. Aside from being practical, it would look so good paired with our black arched door.
// I’ve accumulated a lot of supplies for physical therapy plus back support pillows for sleeping–things I need to be easily accessible (or I tend to forget to use them) but not just sitting around. A couple of these baskets will help corral everything nicely.
// We briefly had a large blue ottoman in the living room but decided it took over the room too much and moved it to the office/studio. We miss having a spot to put our feet up. This Blu Dot ottoman is the perfect modest size for our space.
// I can’t complain about squeezing in a little extra seating in the living room, especially when that seating is sleek and elegant like this black leather sling stool.
// A well-designed laundry basket for hauling clothes to and from the laundry room. I would gladly leave this sitting out, empty or full, so it wouldn’t take up precious space in our small closet.
// I bought my sister-in-law and adult niece tea towels for Christmas and felt jealous I couldn’t get one for myself. The colors and patterns really complement the subdued hues in our kitchen.
// The more confident I become in the kitchen, the longer my wishlist of useful tools gets. Aside from a better food processor, an enamel cast iron dutch oven is at the top of that list. The easier the cooking, the more excuses I’ll make to have people over. We definitely need more of that this year!

I can hardly comprehend how another year has come and gone. 2017 was a whirlwind of activities and obligations muddled with intense grief, stagnancy, doubt, and getting my hopes up about things that ultimately did not work out. It’s not easy to admit, especially as I’ve tried to shield myself against it with well-meaning intentions and mindfulness in the past, but 2017 was one of the least joyous years of my life. When I reflect on all that’s happened to us, a quote I heard recently comes to mind:

“Grief has a way of becoming about everything in one’s daily existence…Everything bathed in the sadness of loss.” –David Giffels in Furnishing Eternity

It’s been increasingly difficult to open up to others about these things, in person or online. The more I share, the more I’ve been hurt, so I do what is familiar and easy in the short term–I retreat and close myself off to the possibility of connection, understanding, or empathy from others. While I could (and certainly have a tendency to) fixate on how the days, weeks, and months continue to weigh on me, I can’t ignore there is another side, a place of calm amidst the turbulent waters.

In terms of experiences, 2017 was a significant year for me. Though I was forced to let go of things that were meaningful to me, I also accomplished things I never dreamed I’d be able to do. I didn’t make as much art as I would have liked, but I found a renewed confidence in my creative ability, said yes to more opportunities, sold more of my pieces, and once again feel that desire to be productive and proactive. I’m making art I’m excited about again.

Though I battle self-doubt and lack of confidence on a daily basis, I put myself out there by accepting offers to model for women-owned brands I admire deeply, STATE (my post about it is here) and Elizabeth Suzann (more on this later in the year!). It’s not easy to be proud of myself–to even feel I’m allowed to be proud, or that what I’ve done is categorically an accomplishment at all. As a woman, a person of color, even just a human being, it often feels more natural to question or reject myself than to be confident or celebrate who I am and what I can do. That disturbs me on a profound level. In 2018 I hold no mercy toward the fear and self-criticism that limits my idea of what I can or should do.

I wasn’t able to remain as physically active as I prefer, as a degenerative disc in my spine coupled with foot complications demanded I give up running and seriously alter my productivity levels at home and at the store. But last year I reached out for help about my chronic back pain and have had some relief thanks to a chiropractor, physical therapy, and yoga (something I was too terrified to try for years). Some days are better than others, and I miss running more than I’m able to express, but I’m learning ways to not only manage pain but heal my body in the healthiest and most long-term way possible (I just got this book and I’m intimidated but excited to dive in). Looking back, it’s surprising how long it took to admit I couldn’t take any more pain. I was stubborn and felt weak. Settling into that vulnerability took a long time, even with my husband, but I’m proud of myself for pushing past the anxiety. While there may seem like more questions than answers about my health at times, I’m grateful for even the small bit of comfort and confidence I’ve found in beginning my rehabilitation. Collectively, all of these experiences from the past year, whether emotionally uplifting or devastating, have allowed me to recognize my own personal and creative needs with better clarity.

For months I have been ruminating on an episode of On Point that my husband and I listened to about anxiety (the episode was specifically addressing teens but I recognized myself immediately)–the idea that people with anxiety, which is different from occasionally being anxious, have a tendency to want to control and possess advance knowledge of how a situation will unfold. The unknown is terrifying, so anxious people feel it lessens anxiety to be prepared and know what to expect. But in reality this awareness and control of outcomes lessens the individual’s ability to adapt and react to stressful situations in a healthy way. It teaches the mind to follow prompts or rely on a script without connection to the real world, without real knowledge or development. I never thought of my own anxiety in this sense–that every time I try to manipulate or minimize “surprise” stressors, every time I try to control outcomes to the extreme so I know what to expect in advance, I’m actually doing myself a disservice. I’m preventing my mind and body from learning ways to adapt to unexpected events and think critically or problem solve on my own. The episode was unnerving and moving as it transported me back to the difficulties I had growing up. The overwhelming feelings I felt back then, and still do, came rushing to the surface, and I wept. Listening, I was fascinated, as though I was seeing and understanding myself fully for the first time (the first time I remember that feeling of intense anxiety was age 5, and it’s been with me ever since). My intent for 2018 is to combat the temptation to give in, to know or predict, control or prepare for every detail and possible outcome. Not knowing, despite the fear it evokes, helps me learn and grow, and I hope to experience more of that this year.

It goes without saying that this year I’d also like to focus on reading more (starting with this book, a sweet Christmas gift from my best friend), continue to rehabilitate my body and try running again, make more art, make healthy choices, and grow deeper in my relationships–serving others and myself well. Here’s to a new year–not a fresh start but an opportunity for growth and balance.

For those of you that read the blog, is there anything you’d like to see more or less of this year? More frequent posts? Less fashion? Interpersonal posts? Everyday life? Inspiration? Designer features? My personal art or outfits? I’d love to know!

Earlier this year I came across a new-to-me jewelry designer, Jennifer Rodgers of Slantt, on Instagram and I was instantly a fan. My husband gave me the Freya earrings from her last collection for my 30th birthday, and since then they have been my go-tos for everything from special occasions to everyday wear. Without a doubt, they are the most versatile and striking earrings I own. Jennifer recently released her Winter 2017 collection, Amalfi, and it’s more beautiful than I imagined.

“Guided by a modern and organic sensibility, her jewelry is designed to be distinct while speaking to the individuality of the wearer. Interaction, form, and process are the designer’s focus, and the line continues to evolve while remaining close to the core ideals of modernism and the careful practice of a small studio.” –Jennifer Rodgers, Slantt

Each piece is handmade by Jennifer in her Austin, TX studio with a focus on ethical and sustainable techniques and materials. The Amalfi collection features hand formed, cut, and hammered silver and brass with soft curves and waves–like earrings in contrasting shapes and textures that can move with you for a bit of drama, or bracelets and rings that feel grounded and bold with their organic ridges and folds. These elegant silhouettes offer dimension and personality–everything you could want in a statement piece. See the entire collection here and be sure to browse more of Jennifer’s gorgeous goods.

I’ve been a big fan of STATEfor a while, and I recently had the pleasure of modeling for their Winter 2017 collection! I couldn’t have been more thrilled. I’ve never modeled outside my own blog and it was a challenging experience for me, given my anxiety, but so worth it. Adrienne Antonson, designer and owner at STATE, has created beautiful pieces with texture, dimension, and unique details (the hand painted and dyed pieces are incredible)–relaxed basics for the everyday. Having a behind-the-scenes look gave me insight into the why of the collection, which makes it all the more special. Trust me when I say you’ll want to wear these pieces all the time. The environment Adrienne cultivates at the studio is welcoming and inspiring, and I’m honored to be able to work with her and the team. Head on over to the website to see the collection in full. It’s too wonderful to miss.

When I won a gift card from Goodwin several weeks ago, I knew exactly what I wanted to spend it on. There were several sneak peeks on Instagram of a dusty rose top that I couldn’t stop thinking about. When Goodwin’s Fall collection dropped (it’s so good), I snatched one up quickly, and I’m so glad I did! I tend to skew towards black, cream, and tan, but I didn’t realize quite how limited my wardrobe palette is until several people mentioned what a great new color this is on me. Often I admire certain hues on others but never feel like they fit into my wardrobe–I can’t see myself in them. I’m excited to know I was wrong. Not only is the color beautiful, but the top, made by Hackwith Design House exclusively for Goodwin, is one of those double duty pieces that my life and limited clothing budget requires. Made of a soft, comfortable textured cotton, the Aysha top is reversible and the flattering wrap silhouette and balloon sleeves mean it easily makes a statement. I’ve reached for it several times since it arrived. It’s a stunning piece with thoughtful details, both playful and sophisticated, and I couldn’t be more thrilled with it. This top is sold out, but another limited batch is coming soon in a different color. I definitely see more wrap tops in my future, and more from the always stunning collections at Goodwin!

Collection Seven from New York based Gamma Folk is a statement lover’s dream. Rough textured and subdued neutrals pair well with the more bold hues, adding unexpected dimension to these beautiful sculptural pieces–art for both body and home. The collection features handformed clay and naturally dyed materials, woven details, and elemental modern shapes that provide a major dose of tactile intrigue. I’m especially in love with the Ionia Earrings, Agni Earrings (you can’t go wrong with mix-and-match earrings), Myrto Vessel, and Zois Wall Hanging. Take a look and shop the full collection here.

Here we are, September nearly over, and the last post I made was about spring/summer fashion early in May. I didn’t intend to take such a long break, or even a break at all, but life often gets in the way of our plans. I’ve been struggling lately, personally and creatively. Chronic back pain (for which I’ve started seeing a chiropractor–it helps!), depression and anxiety, and busyness have all kept me from feeling like my best self. But Fall has always been my favorite season so I’m starting to see a bit of light ahead, starting to feel inspired again. I have a few exciting events on the horizon, the spider lilies have bloomed, and mornings have given way to that refreshing chill in the air–little things that bring joy to the forefront of my mind. It’s good to be getting back to this space not out of obligation but after a small yet significant rush of the creative energy I’ve been missing.